NFM founder, Simbiat Bakare, facilitating the training.
As digital platforms become increasingly important tools for advocacy, the ability to navigate online spaces safely is emerging as a critical skill for women human rights defenders onsocial media security, equipping them with practical knowledge to protect their online identities, secure sensitive information and participate more confidently in activism.
The cascading training, supported by Pollicy, was held on Friday, October 16, 2026, in Ogba, Lagos, with NFM founder, Simbiat Bakare, facilitating the sessions.
The programme brought together participants from NFM’s community and networks, including journalists, leaders of women’s rights organisations and members of support groups. It also included women with disabilities, reflecting the importance of making digital safety knowledge accessible to diverse groups of women human rights defenders.
Building Safer Digital Spaces for Feminist Advocacy
The training focused on practical approaches to navigating digital spaces securely, particularly for women who rely on online platforms to promote human rights, amplify marginalised voices and mobilise support for social change.
Participants received instruction on social media security, secure browsing, internet censorship circumvention, computer hygiene and data encryption.
The sessions were designed to help participants identify potential digital risks and adopt safer online practices in their personal activities, advocacy campaigns and organisational engagements.
By addressing these areas, the training sought to strengthen participants’ ability to protect themselves against digital vulnerabilities while maintaining an active presence in online spaces.
Interactive Sessions Reinforce Learning
To assess participants’ understanding of the lessons, NFM incorporated interactive, gamified group activities that encouraged attendees to identify and share key takeaways from the training.
The approach provided an opportunity for participants to demonstrate their understanding of digital safety concepts while learning from one another’s experiences.
Following the sessions, participants reported improved knowledge of digital safety and social media security, alongside increased confidence in engaging in online activism.
They also expressed their intention to apply the skills acquired to their advocacy activities and within their respective organisations.
For several participants, the training marked their first formal introduction to digital safety and social media security. They described the sessions as valuable in deepening their understanding of online risks and the practical steps required to safeguard themselves in digital environments.
Strengthening Women’s Capacity for Digital Activism
The training forms part of NFM’s broader efforts to strengthen the digital safety knowledge and capacity of women human rights defenders, particularly feminists who use online platforms to advance advocacy, promote social change and engage with wider communities.
As digital platforms continue to serve as important channels for public engagement and activism, the ability to protect personal information, secure communications and manage online risks remains essential for individuals and organisations working in the human rights space.
Through the initiative, NFM sought to encourage safer digital practices among participants while strengthening their capacity to protect themselves and their organisations as they carry out their advocacy work.
The programme underscores the importance of equipping women human rights defenders with the knowledge and practical skills needed to participate more safely and confidently in digital spaces, contributing to more resilient and sustainable feminist movements.